(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
By Matt Bishop
Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook has labelled AFC Fylde ‘a great club' ahead of tomorrow night's mouthwatering FA Cup clash between the two sides.
It will be the first time the Coasters have ever played a match in the competition's second round, with the visit of Wigan – the highest ranked team in the competition – likely to be a stern test.
However, as the 2013 winners prepare for their trip to Mill Farm, which is being shown live on BBC One, Cook has been full of praise for the National League side.
The former Portsmouth manager told Wigan's official website: “It's a great game for AFC Fylde and it's a no-lose situation for them. I think they're a great club and a progressive club with a chairman who has done everything properly.
“Dave Challinor has done a fantastic job coming through the divisions to the National League and they're continually planning for the future.
“Nowadays football in general is so short term and that's not the right way. Fylde are doing everything properly, I hope they get knocked out of the FA Cup on Friday night, but if they don't and they get through then I'll be the first to congratulate them and wish them well.
“Training will have a buzz to it for the Fylde lads today. The cameras have been around the place this week adding to the excitement.
“We have to make sure our lads are feeling that same excitement for the game and the competition as a whole. We have to turn up tomorrow night as the team wanting to win the most. That will be the big factor on the night because I can guarantee you Fylde will go an extra yard.
“We plan on doing the same and bringing our quality through.”
